Candle lighting ceremonies will be held in towns and cities across Queensland this evening to remember those who have died as a result of domestic and family violence and those they have left behind.

Minister for Communities Tracy Davis will mark the national Remembrance Day at the Twilight Walk and Candlelight Vigil in Brisbane, as part of the state’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month which began yesterday.

Ms Davis will attend the event which is sponsored by Australia’s CEO Challenge and DVConnect, and urged Queenslanders to get involved in local Remembrance Day events.

“We want every community in Queensland to stand together and speak out against domestic and family violence,” Ms Davis said.

“We’re taking a stand to demonstrate that this type of violence will not be tolerated in our community.”

The walk will start at the Botanical Gardens at 4pm and end at Kangaroo Point Cliffs where the candle lighting ceremony will start at 5.30pm.

“This year the guest speakers will be Bonnie Anderson and Brittany Adams, the sisters of Bianca Girven who was murdered at Mt Gravatt two years ago,” Ms Davis said.

“Sadly, Bonnie and Brittany’s story is one familiar to hundreds of Australian families.

“I encourage those attending the vigil to wear black and carry a red rose as a sign of respect and remembrance.”

Ms Davis said 61 sponsors and Community Partners across Queensland will support various events during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month to raise awareness of the issue.

“Twenty-eight organisations across Queensland shared in funding of $150,000 to host awareness raising activities, projects and events during May.”

“We’ve provided $5,000 in funding to Australia’s CEO Challenge for the Twilight Walk.

“This government is committed to helping to prevent domestic and family violence and to make our homes and communities safe,” Ms Davis said.

Ms Davis encouraged Queenslanders to log on to www.communities.qld.gov.au and follow the links to find out how to get involved during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and how to help people affected by this sort of abuse.

“By becoming aware of the warning signs and being available for a friend or neighbour who wants to talk about their situation, we can start to make a difference,” Ms Davis said.

“Queenslanders have an opportunity to send a powerful message that domestic and family violence is not acceptable in our community.